'We want all young people earning or learning – and making most of the life that’s ahead of them'

As the Government publishes its Get Britain Working white paper, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall tells young people: 'We value you, you are important'

Our young people deserve the best start in life. But almost one million are now not in work, education or training. That's a shocking 1 in 8 of all our young people.

The result is talent wasted, opportunity missed, and life chances stalled. It's also holding businesses and our economy back.

What happens when you're young can have a big impact on the rest of your life. The qualifications you gain, and the experience you pick up in the workplace – whether it’s an office, a shop, or a factory - are all critical. So too are the life skills: the experience of hard work, being part of a team and gaining confidence too.

That's why our plan to Get Britain Working will bring in a new Youth Guarantee so all young people are earning or learning – and making the most of the life that’s ahead of them.

We are investing £45m of new funding so mayors in eight areas across the country can bring together all the support that's available locally – because local people know what’s best for their areas.

This comes on top of our other commitments including providing mental health support in every school, high quality work experience and careers advice.

And today we are announcing exciting opportunities for young people in sports, arts and culture through our new national partnership with some of Britain's most iconic cultural and sporting organisations, including the Premier League, Channel 4 and the Royal Shakespeare Company. This will build on the brilliant work they already do to engage and inspire the younger generation.

This is our commitment to young people. We value you, you are important. We will invest in you and give you the chances you deserve.

But in return for these new opportunities, you will have a responsibility to take up the training or work that’s on offer. Because being unemployed or lacking basic qualifications when you’re young can harm your job prospects and wages for the rest of your life.

And this isn’t good enough for young people or for our country. Labour believes all everyone should have the chance to fulfil their potential. And that's what our Youth Guarantee will deliver.